Take a Break

Do you ever feel pressure to “get it together” or “keep it together?” Or maybe you just don’t want to mess up. Trying to be perfect can be a lot of pressure for sure!

I’m feeling a little pressure as I write my first-ever blog. My hands are a little tingly. I don’t want to mess this up. I want to write just the right thing so that you’re encouraged. That’s a lot of pressure.

Pressure can be good sometimes, but sometimes, it isn’t so great, is it? If you’re like me, I bet you can think of a lot of ways that pressure causes us problems. We put pressure on ourselves, for example, to be the best parent, best spouse, best friend, or best employee. We get so wrapped up in the pressure that we sometimes make things worse on ourselves and the people around us.

What if you and I take a break from putting so much pressure on ourselves. What if we follow the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:6, which says, “One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.”

I know—it will be hard for some of us to let go just a little bit, to rest from all of our striving. But, what if for just a while we experiment with easing up a bit. Maybe we can think a new and positive thought like, “I’m doing some things right.” Maybe we can be a little more patient with a loved one—“He’s/She’s doing some things right.” Maybe we can allow ourselves a little grace—“I’m not where I want to be, but I’m making progress.”

Are you with me? Will you experiment with putting less pressure on yourself? Let’s see how it goes!